Thursday, October 23, 2008

Whoa....I am truly slacking!!!! I can't believe it has almost been a month since I was last on here. I know, I know....many people have given me a hard time so be easy my friends. I will get better at this. It is fall, after all and fall = hibernation. So I guess that is what I have filled my days....and nights with. Wake up....work....home.....reality TV and then off to bed. See, I told you things are boring over here. Well....fall also equals hoops season and I know I am not the only one in Seattle praying that UW basketball can bring us all out of mourning. I don't have to mention all of the lost seasons of football and such, you guys live it with me. So, I am putting all of my hopes in the Dawgs. Don't let me down. I am just saying....we have John Brockman and a great group around him. I think that is a recipe for success.

I am also counting on Tia's team to really show some personality. She has 8 of her own "style" of players mixing with a core group of vets...this should be fun.

Lastly, if the dawgs let me down, I always have rec ball. Now, I know what you are thinking....not exactly high action. But I will have to say that I was a little disappointed that I missed Sarah Duncan getting thrown off the court this week. I could just imagine her face getting red and all she wants to do is explode and let out every cuss word in the book. Knowing her, she probably said something completely witty that the ref didn't understand, combined with a couple of F-bombs and there she went, to the sidelines to blow her nose in her socks (I know, the weird things you remember watching your teammates do for 4 years always stick with you). Even more entertaining was probably the reaction of Jill....I am sure she smiled and rolled her eyes. See, rec ball CAN have a little drama in it.

So, this is my direction for the next couple of weeks. Waiting patiently until the dawgs take the court again so I can put all my hopes into them and quick waiting on the football teams first win (I am still waiting...I didn't give up hope yet).

Friday, October 3, 2008

Yep...that dang cramp got me again....not enough gatorade I guess. Well, I guess that just leaves me one thing to write about...September updates. I would have to say that this was an excellent month. Not only is my mom one year older (she doesn't look a day over 38) but I am as well. That's right, the big 30 is here.

I had an amazing birthday and was so thankful to everyone who shared it with me, whether physically or in spirit. We headed up to the Tulalip Casino for dinner and gambling. I must say, the casino is beautiful and I hear the spa is even better. I am excited to be able to check the spa out first hand soon. We stuffed ourselves at the buffet and then rolled on to the tables. I spent most of my time on the blackjack table and faired well. It was such a fantastic night that I decided to continue celebrating it the next day too. After visiting with Cori and crew at her goodbye brunch, I was off to take part in one of the most memorable events of my life. I had told my friend Swen that for my birthday I wanted to meet Alicia Keys. Of course I was joking but she took it to heart. The day of my birthday, she found out that she had been invited to meet Alicia before her concert. She remembered how much Alicia inspires me and decided to pass the opportunity on to me!!! I couldn't believe it! I spent a half an hour sitting in the same room as her and listening to her talk about her favorite things, her travels and outings in Seattle, etc. She was so down to earth and more beautiful in person, inside and out. After a quick autograph and a hug she left us to prepare for the concert. Swen, Jaime and I found our seats, 3 row, and prepared for an amazing show. I don't think I stopped smiling for a week after the fun I had both on my birthday and the day after.

The rest of my September was spent saying goodbye to Cori (tear) and spending as much time in the sun as possible. I was lucky to usher out summer at Golden Gardens where I watched two friends marry as well as watched the sun set on a memorable summer. Fall didn't waste anytime on showing its cold and wet head. I am excited for things to slow down and ready to hibernate in front of the TV. Thankfully football and my favorite TV series are in full effect as they will be my entertainment until the sun comes back.

ABOUT ME

Donate to ALS TDI

If you would like to donate directly to ALS Therapy Development Institute in honor of Melissa Erickson to help us continue to raise money and awareness for ALS, we thank you. Your tax deductible donations can be made here: Community.als.net/melissaericksonfun

On behalf of myself, my family and all of my friends who have supported me along the way, I send a huge THANKS for your thoughts, prayers and support.
Sincerely,
Melissa Erickson

MORE ABOUT ME

Let me give you all a little background on me. For the first 27 years of my life I was extremely active. I started playing basketball when I was 10 years old. It defined my life and gave me incredible opportunities for which I am most grateful. I earned a basketball scholarship to the University of Washington which enabled me to continue my education. From there I went on to coach and play professionally in Germany and Portugal. Basketball brought me to many countries and gave me immeasurable amounts of pleasure, pride and independence. When I was 25 and in my last season in Portugal, I started to feel very inadequate on the court. I was out of balance, slow and unable to jump as high as normal. I felt that I was just getting old and not training as I used to. I moved back to Seattle and became part of the working world. I continued to play basketball recreationally and go to the gym to work out. My inadequacies continued to progress and soon it became very difficult to play or run on my own.

After a workout at my local gym, my personal trainer informed me that my problems with balance and strength were not normal of a typical 27 year old. So in August of 2006, I started my search for reason. A day before my 28th birthday, doctors told me that there were definite signs of a neuromuscular disease. I was devastated to know that the active life I had lived was in for a drastic change. I currently am unable to walk. I use a power chair and it has increased my independence and mobility so much. Life is easier despite the restrictions of living on wheels.

In 2007, I attended numerous doctors’ appointments in Seattle and Boston, and undergone several tests; doctors continue to lean on the initial diagnosis of ALS. My life has taken many different turns and I have journeyed down a path I never thought existed. However, despite all of the disappointment and setbacks I have learned to view life in a new way. I can truly say that I enjoy the simple things in life. Each day is cherished in a new and inviting way. My family and friends are the very blood that runs through my veins.

On behalf of myself, my family and all of my friends who have supported me along the way, I send a huge THANKS for your thoughts, prayers and support.

Sincerely,

Melissa Erickson

All questions, concerns and donations can be directed to Sarah Duncan, co-founder of the Melissa Erickson Foundation. Sarah can be reached at (425) 339-8556 or sdunc@myuw.net